Top 10 NBA Players Under 25

Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose are ready to chase down LeBron James. But who is in the next class of superstars?

The NBA is introduced to emerging stars every season. LeBron James surged past Kobe Bryant to the head of the class, and now more youngsters wait in the wings to unseat James. And while candidates such as Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose immediately come to mind, and rightfully so, they are left off of this list. Those players are or turn 25 during this season. In order to be apart of this list, the player must be under 25 for the duration of the 2013-2104 season.

10. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs, 22

Greg Poppovich and the San Antonio Spurs draft and develop their own superstars. It happened with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. And while those players are entering, or already in, the twilight of their careers, the Spurs once again are prepared. The team traded for Leonard, 15th overall pick of the 2011 NBA draft on the night of the draft, and have been pleased with him ever since. Considered a raw talent entering the league, Leonard possessed size, athleticism and a skill set too enticing to pass up. San Antonio has brought the young man along slowly, but displayed to the world his potential during the 2013 NBA finals. This season, with Duncan, Parker and Ginobili another year older, expect more responsibility to be placed on the 22-year olds plate. Once again the perennial championship contenders have found another piece to build around.

9. Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons, 23

Probably the “unsexiest” name on the list, but that is not attributed to a lack of skill. Monroe simply lacks the flare and excitement found in the NBA today, but his game compares favorably to Tim Duncan. I’m not proclaiming Monroe will challenge Duncan for the “greatest-power-forward-of-all-time” title, but rather I’m saying that he is fundamentally sound while not as athletic as others around the league. Adding Josh Smith and the development of a true defensive center in Andre Drummond will allow Monroe to continue his progression. Effective both inside and out, as well as a great passer, Monroe will cause headaches for opposing defenses all season.

8. John Wall, Washington Wizards, 23

Entering his fourth NBA season, the former No. 1 overall pick is finally healthy. Everyone knows about his quickness and open court ability, but the thing keeping him from being great is an effective mid-range jump shot. If he can develop that, he will be virtually unstoppable. Second-year man Bradley Beal provides a viable backcourt mate, and Nene and Marcin Gortat or solid options in the post. If this team can stay healthy, I expect Wall to have his best season and help return Washington to the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

7. Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans, 23

Holiday has been a very good point guard during the entirety of his brief career. His biggest problem was that the Philadelphia 76′ers never truly surrounded him with a complete, competitive team. New Orleans doesn’t have a championship-caliber team, but the list of players around him is considerably better. Holiday seems to understand both roles as a point guard. He is an excellent passer who looks to set up his teammates, averaging 8.0 assists per-game last season. He is also a consistent threat to score, averaging 17.7 points per game last season. With an improved cast around him, he should see a slight increase in numbers, but more importantly, a large increase in wins.

6. Demarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings, 23

Boogie Cousins has always had talent. But last season, he seemed to cross a threshold. No longer was he the boneheaded player prone for mental mistake after mental mistake, but rather he took responsibility for his actions, both on and off the court. That literally can make the difference between him being a “promising young center” and “arguably the best center in the league.” No one is saying Cousins will assume that title, but the skill-set and ability are certainly there. If he can continue to mature and keep himself mentally and physically ready to play each night, the sky is the limit for this young man.

5. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans, 20/21

Another former No.1 overall pick who has shown enough ability to substantiate the selection. His rookie season was slowed by injury, but Davis is the versatile type of power forward that is taking over the NBA. While his range does not extend to the three-point line, he has shown the ability to knock down the 15-footer. With a knack for scoring around the basket, unbelievable athleticism that makes him a dangerous shot-blocker and rebounder and the ability to run-the-floor all make Davis a star in the making.

4. Damian Lillard, Portland Trailblazers, 23

The second-year player out of Weber State is the reining rookie of the year. But Lillard has already gone on record stating that he has far more to accomplish in this league. The next step for Lillard will be to become a more efficient player. That means turning the ball over less and shooting a better percentage from the field. Again, the kid had a phenomenal rookie season, but to take the next step in his development, these should be his areas of focus. Lillard plays with the confidence and poise of a 15-year veteran which makes him ready for the pressure of being “the man.” If Lillard can make major strides in his decision making and shot selection, he will become a top-five player not only at his position, but in the entire NBA.

3. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers, 21/22

Irving, aka Uncle Drew, is already a superstar in this league. The one thing to watch this season will be how he handles higher expectations. During his first two seasons, Irving has played for a team that has considered seasons successful by reaching the 30-win plateau. With the addition of Andrew Bynum and the 2013 No.1 pick Anthony Bennett to pair with Dion Waiters and Anderson Varejao, Irving will have to balance his incredible scoring ability with the role of a play-maker for a team with playoff aspirations. There is no reason to believe Irving is not capable of doing it, so it will be exciting to watch this star continue to rise.

2. James Harden, Houston Rockets, 24

Harden can easily move up this list and become the No.1 player under 25, but more of him needs to be seen. Everyone was well aware of this mans ability, and we finally watched has he put it on full display in his first year as a full-time starter. However, as the season progressed, he seemed to tire from the constant demand of performing at a superstar level on a nightly basis. The addition of Dwight Howard will undoubtedly help Harden maintain his production and allow him to pick his opportunities. By seasons end, Harden could easily be No.1 on this list.

1. Paul George, Indiana Pacers, 23/24

George is the most complete player under the age of 25. His offensive skill set continues to develop, but this young man is already an excellent defender and rebounder. As the Pacers continue to treat him as their superstar, he will only get better. His impressive postseason run also factored into this placement. Going toe-to-toe with the man regarded as the “best player on the planet,” LeBron James, in last years Eastern Conference Finals not only identified him as a rising star in the league, but also put in him the conversation for the best player at his position.

These are my thoughts on the best players under 25, but please leave your comments in the section below.